Keir Starmer Told His Defence Review Is 'Unravelling' Over Spending Row

Keir Starmer appears to be at odds with defence secretary John Healey.Keir Starmer has been told his defence spending review is “unravelling” amid a row over the government’s plans to increase the military budget.The prime minister announced in February that defence spending will increase to 2.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2027, with the “ambition” of hitting 3% by 2034.Defence secretary John Healey appeared to confirm last week that the 3% target will definitely be hit, but Starmer refused to confirm that in an interview this morning.The apparent split threatens to overshadow the launch of the government’s strategic defence review (SDR) today.Starmer will confirm that the UK will build up to 12 new nuclear-powered submarines, as well as six new munitions factories and thousands more long-range weapons.But writing in the Telegraph, the authors of the SDR made clear that defence spending would need to increase to 3% of GDP for its recommendations to be carried out.They said: “We were asked two important questions. First, what is required to ensure the UK has the military capability it needs to meet the threats we face. Second, how can that be against a challenging economic backdrop?“There was an inevitable gap between these answers, but the Government’s important decision to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027/28 and, vitally, to 3% in the next parliament, made an enormous difference. The decision established the affordability of our recommendations across a 10-year programme.”On Radio 4′s Today programme this morning, Starmer again said that defence spending would rise to 3% of GDP.But he added: “I am not, as the prime minister of a Labour government, going to make a commitment as to the precise date until I can be sure precisely where the money is coming from, how we can make good on that commitment.“I don’t believe in performative, fantasy politics, and certainly not on defence and security.”When will the UK spend 3% of GDP on defence?Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer tells @BBCNickRobinson he won't set a precise date until he can be sure exactly 'where the money is coming from'.#R4Today— BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) June 2, 2025Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge said: “With the PM unable to even confirm a date for hitting 3% the SDR really is unravelling.”Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said: “Keir Starmer is showing a concerning lack of urgency on reaching 3%.“With Putin waging war, Trump undermining NATO and conflicts raging, we must deliver for our Armed Forces and Britain’s security in an increasingly unstable world. Anything less would be a dereliction of duty.“I once again urge the prime minister to convene cross-party talks to allow us to get to 3% as soon as possible, and faster than 2034.”Related...Vladimir Putin Is Attacking The UK Every Day, Defence Secretary Warns'This Is Panic': Defence Secretary Forced To Deny Keir Starmer Is Rattled By Nigel FarageUK To Build Up To 12 Nuclear Submarines As Threat From Russia Grows

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